Chain-securing device



(No Model.)

J. v. MATTHEWS. CHAIN SECURING DEVICE.

. Patented Mar. 5,1895.

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JAMES V. MATTHEWS, OF HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

CHAIN-SECURING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 535,015, dated March 5, 1 895. Application filed November 15, 1894. Serial No. 528,865- (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JAMES V. MATTHEWS, a citizen of the United States, residing at- I-Iarrisburg, in the county of Dauphin and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Chain-Securing Device, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an appliance for attachment to the vests or other parts of a gentlemans apparel its purpose being to provide means for connecting the ends of watch chains, whereby the disadvantage of having to connect them to button-holes in the vest is avoided.

Ordinarily the chainsofgentleinens watches are provided at their outer ends with crossbars adapted to be engaged with the buttonholes of their coats or vests in the operation of securing the chain. Now this manner of attaching the chain is disadvantageous, in so much as the location of the button-hole often prevents the connection of the chain in an advantageous way, and makes it appear cumbersome and unhandy.

Now it is the object of my invention to overcome this disadvantage in a way more effective than those heretofore proposed.-

To this end myinvention consists in an ornamental front plate provided on its inner side with a securing safety-pin,and at a point above said pin, or at the upper portion of said plate, with an eye to which a chain or cord may be connected. This chain or cord is adapted to project down the under side of the plate, and below the same, so that the Watchchain may be connected to it; and in order that the chain or cord may be held from'unnecessary movement, the lower inner side of the plate is provided with a guide through which the chain passes, and by which said movements are prevented. It is my purpose and practice to variously ornament the plate so that it will present a beautiful appearance, and so that it may be used as an emblem for societies and colleges.

In the drawings my invention is fully illustrated, and therein-- Figure 1 represents a perspective view of showing it applied as in practice, and showing a watch-chain attached thereto;

Fig. 2, a perspective View of the rear portion of the plate,

showing the devices which are applied thereto and illustrating the relation of the chain or cord aforesaid therewith; Fig. 3, a view showing a variation in the shape of the face plate, and how it may be used as an emblem or badge as aforesaid.

The reference numeral 1 indicates the front plate, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to be shaped square, and which may be formed of any suitable material, such as gold, silver, or the like. Secured to the rear side of the plate 1, and extending adjaoent to and parallel with each of the four edges thereof, is the wire 2, which is provided to permit the attachment of those devices carried by the front plate. This wire is preferably secured to the plate 1 by soldering it thereto, as this is the only practicable means. The equivalent of the Wire 2 may, however, be found in a rib or flange formed integral with the front plate, as will be obvious.

Soldered to the wire 2, and at the upper portion thereof, is the wire 3, which proceeds in- Wardly and thence transversely parallel with the plate 1 and with its upper edge, its middle being formed with an eye 4. This eye 4 is produced by looping the wire 3, as will be understood from Fig. 2 of the drawings. The eye 4 is disposed downwardly from the wire 3, and this, while preferable for the sake of convenience and ease of operation, is not essential.

Located mid way the plate 1, and on the rear side thereof, is the pin 5, which has its inner end secured to one side of the plate 1, and formed with a coil 6, whereby it is given a spring tendency. The free end of the pin 5 projects to and slightly beyond the opposite edge of the plate 1, and there co-operates with the hook 7, which is rigidly secured to the Wire 2 at that point, and which projects horizontally and inwardly. The inner end of the pin 5, at the coil 6, is secured to the wire 2 at a point opposite the hook 7, or midway the plate 1.

Located at the lower extremity of the plate 1 is the loop 8, which is formed of a length of wire having its ends soldered to the wire 2 at the lower extremities of the vertical portions thereof. From the ends of this Wire the same extends inwardly and thence horizontally parallel with the plate and with the lower edge thereof. The inward extent of the loop 8, or its width, is approximately equal to the distance which the eye 4: has from the plate. In fact, the eye 4, pin 5, and loop 8 are all practically vertically aligned.

Connected to the eye 4, and extending parallel with the rear side of the plate 1, and down in front of the pin 5 and through the loop 8, is the cord or chain 9, which may be of any kind, either an ornamented chain or a braided silken cord, and which has its lower end provided with a loop, so that the free end of the watch-chain 10 may be passed through it and so that the usual bar 11 thereof may bind with it and eifect the connection of the chain.

It will be observed that the attachment and arrangement of the cord or chain 9 will permit it to have a limited transverse swing, which attribute is highly advantageous. On the other hand, it is equally apparent that no unnecessary or disadvantageous movement will be allowed the said cord or chain, owing to the operation of the loop 8, the structure of which has been before explained.

The purpose of the wire 2 is to provide means for connecting the various parts of my invention to the front plate. Were it not for this device, it would be decidedly inconvenient and impracticable to attach them to the front plate directly, since it would be necessary to form on the said parts foot-like portions taking the place of the Wire 2. These will be both troublesome and expensive, as will be apparent without further explanation.

Fig. 3 shows the front plate formed in the shape of a shield, and ornamented with the elements of the American flag, and illustrates how the said plate maybe shaped in conformity with various badges and emblems, and may be used to carry such emblems. This attribute makes the invention capable of a twofold use, and adds to its efficiency to a very great degree.

It will be understood, of course, that the design of Fig. 3 does not exhaust the designs which my invention is susceptible of receiving, and that they could be Varied indefinitely without any change in the substantial portions of the device.

Having described the invention, I claim A chain-securing device, consisting of a front plate provided at its rear side and near the upper edge thereof, with an eye, and having, near its lower edge and at its rear side, a guiding loop, a cord or chain connected to the eye and passing through the guiding loop and projecting below the front plate, and means secured to the rear side of the front plate whereby it may be attached to an article of apparel, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JAMES V. MATTI-IEWVS.

Witnesses:

CHAS. F. KRAMER, J. WARREN MATTHEWS. 

